Question Number: 21412

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 5/26/2009

RE: Rec Under 13

Rob of bainbridge, pa USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 21316

The criss crossing was not my tactic in mind it was just an extreme example to learn if what I actually do have in mind would be legal or not. My purpose for this is not to have my kids doing a ballet, breakdance or a broadway show,(but thanks for that info too) it is something much simpler and much more direct. We have practiced it and they have picked it up well and we are waiting for the right moment in our tourney to use it. (Reference: Boise State knew precisely when to throw in that statue of liberty play against Oklahoma and it caught the Sooner defense completely off guard.) Execution is everything but hey thanks again for your answer...RM

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

True Rob,
Some things can be done to deceive the opposition as part of normal gamesmanship. Be wary only of incorporating the referee into your schemes. I tell teams that say want to execute cute, he said but he didn't take but he will scenarios cannot ask my permission unless the opposing team is present because as a neutral official we cannot conspire in gamesmanship! In other words be careful you do not fool the referee as well as the opposition. The transparency of a ball ACTUALLY in play can not be so subtle as to catch out the referee not understanding it has occurred or so blatant in USB that a caution is considered!!

Late runners on criss-cross or hidden positions can burst into open space especially on well executed quick restarts where momentary confusion reigns supreme. One great tactic was the indfk from 6 yards away from the goal line on the keeper infraction for illegal handling inside that goal area. My kids wanted to blast it at the 6 yard wall lined up on the goal line thinking they could force a ball through. I suggested a dummy run over with a back heel to an oncoming runner with two well positioned attackers off to each side of the goal at about 8 yards. At the touch if the wall broke forward the back heeled ball was travelling away but being met by a forward within the ten yards as NO opponent is allowed to be there to start. The option was to shoot or wall-pass to either goal end attacker. We scored 3 in a row where we missed the previous two when blasted at close range. Funny how a bit of success can get the kids to pay attention!
Cheers